Why is diversity important, and how can we do a better job bringing diversity and inclusion to our lives and the workplace? Businesses must pursue diverse talent and achieve real inclusion if they want to be successful beyond today, and into tomorrow. Beginning with a fundamental understanding of diversity and its many dimensions, participants will achieve greater comprehension of the types and layers of diversity, beyond those as defined by the EEOC. Once the concept of diversity is explored, how do we go on to create real inclusion? How can we create policies and procedures that support our definition of success? What strategies can we employ, and where can we get help if we need it?

Participants will:
o Define diversity and its many dimensions.
o Participants will be able to identify some of the top-level reasons diversity and inclusion are important to the success of businesses today.
o Identify pitfalls and barriers to diversity and inclusion. Participants will become familiar with biases we all have, how to foster awareness of these unconscious beliefs and counteract them.
o Participants will be able to identify workplace and recruitment/retention considerations related to differences including religion, age, disabilities, gender issues, sexuality, gender identification,military status and more.
o Participants will be able to define the differences between a sponsor and a mentor.
o Participants will be able to identify strategies to help diverse people succeed in the workplace.
o Participants will be able to identify resources to support your diversity and inclusion efforts.

Speaker Bio

Diane has worked with, for, and around lawyers for more than 30 years. Her experience in law firm administration is broad, covering legal personnel, recruiting, diversity and inclusion, professional development and human resources. Originally from New York City, Diane joined her current firm, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP in 1997 as their Director of Legal Personnel and Recruiting. In 2004, she moved overseas and lived in Christchurch, New Zealand with her husband, while continuing to work with Stroock as a consultant on diversity, inclusion and professional development programs. Diane took over the helm of Stroock’s Los Angeles office in 2015 and now calls Southern California her home.

Following her passion for diversity, inclusion and changing workplace culture, Diane has been a long-term member of Stroock’s Diversity and Inclusion Council and has helped to develop programs to further the inclusion and engagement of all at her firm. Diane joined ALA’s Committee on Diversity and Inclusion in 2018 to help raise awareness and work to advance these important tenets in the legal profession.

CLM(R) Application Credit for Functional Specialists:1 hour in the subject area of Human Resources Management (HR) towards the additional hours required of some Functional Specialists to fulfill the CLM application.

CLM(R)Recertification Credit: 1 hour in the subject area of Human Resources Management (HR).